Sailing: I was falsely accused of watching Nami bathe, but I'm blind.

He can practice Armament Haki hardening more systematically and scientifically in a relatively safe environment.

He tried again and again to concentrate, cover, and solidify his willpower.

He carefully observed the subtle differences in the flow of energy within his body during each success or failure.

He experimented with applying Armament Haki to different parts of his body, experiencing the varying degrees of difficulty and effects on each area.

He tried to extend the hardening time and increase the hardening strength...

This process remains tedious and difficult.

The improvement of Armament Haki relies more on talent (or the extent of one's "spirit") and years of arduous training than on Observation Haki.

Kai may not be the most talented in this area, but he possesses... an extraordinary willpower and focus! And... a sensitivity to subtle changes in his own energy, honed to the extreme by his blindness!

He even... on very rare occasions, set aside his usual arrogance and guardedness, and sought limited advice from some... truly proficient experts in Armament Haki within the Navy.

Besides Armament Haki, Kai has also not relaxed his efforts in improving Observation Haki.

He knew that his Observation Haki was his greatest advantage and the foundation of his survival.

Although he could foresee the near future and sense the presence of all things, he knew that this was far from enough!

In the battles of the New World, he discovered that many powerful individuals also possessed considerable Observation Haki! They could predict his attacks to a certain extent and even interfere with his senses! Moreover, when an opponent's speed or strength reached a certain level, even if he could anticipate the attack, his body might not be able to react in time!

He must... make his Observation Haki sharper! More precise! More... penetrating!

He began to explore the deeper levels of Observation Haki.

He tried to perceive... a longer "future"? Although his senior Fujitora had said it was difficult, he wanted to try and see if he could capture more and clearer "fragments of the future"?

He tried to perceive... his opponent's deeper "consciousness"? Not just the surface emotions and intentions, but... the true thoughts and decision-making logic hidden deep in the subconscious?

He even tried to perceive... those more abstract and elusive "forces"? For example, the "momentum" of the battlefield? The "pressure" of the strong? Or even... the trajectory of some kind of "fate" that exists in the dark?

These higher levels of Observation Haki training are far more difficult and far... dangerous than Armament Haki! Every deep exploration of perception is like embarking on a mental adventure! A slight misstep could lead to mental confusion due to receiving an overwhelming or chaotic amount of information, or even... complete loss within endless perceptual illusions!

Chapter 103 The Biggest Winner of the Marineford War! Kai Becomes One of the Four Emperors!

Kai must remain absolutely calm and focused at all times, like an explorer walking on a cliff, carefully exploring this... spiritual realm full of unknowns and dangers.

And so, Kai began a period of almost complete isolation and frenzied training at Marine Headquarters.

The Marine Headquarters, though a massive organization with a strict hierarchy and full of rules and constraints, provided Kai with an unprecedented "greenhouse" where he could temporarily focus on his training without distractions (although the atmosphere of this greenhouse might not be so friendly).

He devoted almost all his time and energy to cultivation.

During the day, he would appear at the Navy Headquarters' training grounds, which were equipped with the most advanced equipment.

He might be carrying an astonishingly heavy, specially designed loadout, engaging in tedious yet extremely effective physical training; or he might be practicing the application and hardening of Armament Haki on those incredibly hard alloy targets, over and over again; or he might be wielding the "Quiet Mind" cane sword, silently practicing those... sword moves with unpredictable footwork that incorporate his unique perception and combat skills in an open field.

At night, he would return to his secluded barracks, sit cross-legged, and enter a deep meditative state.

He immersed his consciousness into the silent, lightless, yet infinitely information-filled inner world, honing his Observation Haki and exploring higher levels of perception. At the same time, he struggled against the shadows of the past and inner turmoil that would occasionally surface from the depths of his heart.

He rarely participated in any social activities within the Navy.

He was absent from all gatherings, whether it was a dinner party with colleagues or a group meeting organized by superiors (unless attendance was mandatory).

He always kept to himself, like a silent shadow, detached from the vast and bustling collective that is the navy.

His always spotless white naval uniform (he had a slight obsession with cleanliness, and his keen senses allowed him to easily avoid stains) contrasted sharply with his empty eyes and his cold, aloof demeanor, creating an extremely discordant, even incongruous, effect.

Blindness, a physical condition that would be considered a huge defect by ordinary people, has become one of his greatest advantages in his cultivation at this moment.

Because he cannot see, he is better able to block out the complex and distracting visual information from the outside world, thus focusing all his attention on his inner perception and control over his own power.

Because he is blind, he naturally avoids many unnecessary social interactions and engagements, allowing him to devote more time and energy to the tedious and arduous practice of cultivation.

His almost self-torturous training intensity, and his visible, rocket-like rate of strength growth (although outsiders could not fully see through his true nature, they could clearly feel that his aura was becoming stronger and more dangerous), naturally attracted the attention of the surrounding naval soldiers and officers.

They looked at the blind major general, who was always a loner, taciturn, but who trained like a madman, their eyes filled with a variety of complex emotions.

There is reverence.

After all, Kai's terrifying strength and ruthless methods during his first mission were enough to deter most people from easily provoking him.

Be curious.

They all wanted to know how this blind man possessed such great power, and what secrets he was hiding.

But more than anything, there was... alienation and... a hint of indescribable fear.

Kai's cold, aloof, and seemingly unapproachable aura, along with his always enigmatic and unfathomable demeanor, subconsciously made people want to keep their distance from him.

They felt that this person... was not like a "colleague" with whom they could communicate and get along normally, but more like a... deadly weapon that could be drawn at any time and could hurt others or himself.

And so, Kai became a... awe-inspiring yet distant... solitary cultivator at Marine Headquarters.

Kai's rapid promotion, much like that of a "paratrooper," along with his unique position and arrogant attitude that made him stand out from the rest of the Navy, inevitably touched a nerve with some people, attracting some... discordant voices and... challenges.

The Navy, as a large organization with a strict hierarchy and seniority system, has never lacked those who... are arrogant or can't stand others "taking shortcuts".

Especially after Kai, the "blind man" and "former pirate associate" (according to rumors), rose to the rank of Rear Admiral of the Headquarters based on a so-called "achievement," he became a thorn in the side of many people.

Finally, on a seemingly ordinary afternoon, when Kai finished his day of training and was preparing to return to the barracks, trouble... came knocking on his door.

“Hey! You’re that… ‘Blind Major General’ Jingxin?” A provocative, slightly impetuous voice rang out behind Kai.

Kai stopped walking, without turning around, and calmly "sensed" the source of the sound.

They were three young men dressed in naval officer uniforms.

The leader was tall and strong, and although he was quite handsome, his eyes were filled with undisguised arrogance and... hostility.

The aura emanating from him was indeed quite strong, faintly reaching the top level of a colonel in the headquarters, and even touching the threshold of a major general. He was clearly a standout among the younger generation, who was being groomed by the Navy.

"What is it?" Kai's tone was flat and indifferent, as if he were asking a pebble on the roadside.

"Hmph! I heard you're very strong? You climbed to the rank of major general with just one opportunistic 'achievement'?" The leading young officer crossed his arms and spoke with a condescending attitude, his tone full of disdain and provocation. "I'd like to 'ask' you, this 'blind hero,' just how much real skill you actually possess!"

His two companions behind him also wore knowing smiles, clearly there to support him.

Kai immediately understood the other party's purpose.

This is... a typical provocation stemming from jealousy and resentment.

Such things seem unavoidable in any organization.

Kai didn't want to pay any attention to this pointless provocation.

He just wanted to go back to his cultivation as soon as possible.

But the other party's insulting words (especially "blind hero" and "opportunistic") and the undisguised hostility still stirred a trace of... displeasure in his cold heart.

Perhaps... it's time to let these narrow-minded fools face reality a little? Let them know that there are some people they can never afford to mess with?

Thinking of this, Kai slowly turned around, looked at the provocative young officer, and a cold, razor-sharp smile appeared on his lips.

"How...do you want to 'ask for advice'?" Kai's voice remained calm, but it contained a hint of...danger.

The young officer was clearly unaware of the danger in Kai's tone; instead, he seemed even more excited and smug because of Kai's "acceptance of the challenge."

He assumed Kai was intimidated by his imposing manner or too afraid to refuse his "challenge".

“It’s very simple!” the young officer said arrogantly. “Right here! Let’s have a ‘spar’! Let’s stop when we’ve reached the point of no return! Let me see if you, a rear admiral who rose to your rank by ‘luck,’ are truly qualified to wear the star on your shoulder!” As he spoke, he had already assumed the starting stance of the “Iron Body” move from the Six Styles of the Navy, clearly intending to compete in physical combat.

"Can.

Kai nodded, then... added, "However, when I make a move... it might not be so easy to 'stop short'."

"

"Ha! How arrogant!" The young officer was completely enraged by Kai's seemingly casual yet utterly contemptuous words! "Then let me see what you've got! Shave!"

Before the words were even finished, the young officer vanished from his spot in an instant! He charged towards Kai like a cannonball at incredible speed! He clearly intended to use the high-speed movement technique from the Six Styles to catch Kai off guard! Then he would finish the fight with his prized "Finger Pistol" or "Storm Kick"! In his view, speed was the greatest advantage against a blind man!

however……

Just as he activated "Shave," just when he thought he was fast enough to prevent his opponent from reacting...

But he was horrified to discover!

That blind man…actually…as if he could foresee the future! The instant he started moving! He had already…taken a step ahead! He moved half a step to the side!

A... extremely tiny, yet extremely precise half-step!

Perfectly... he avoided his sure-fire straight-line attack!

How could this be?! How could he possibly keep up with my speed?! Or even... anticipate my movements?! The young officer was filled with disbelief!

Just as his attack missed and his body momentarily stiffened!

Kai moved!

His movements were not fast.

You could even say... it's a bit slow?

He simply... held up one finger.

A finger that looks ordinary, even somewhat slender.

Then, like a butterfly flitting among flowers, this finger seemingly casually and lightly... touched a very hidden acupoint (or nerve node) under the young officer's armpit, exposed by his high-speed charge!

On his fingertips, there seemed to be a faint, almost imperceptible... vibrational power? (Has Kai incorporated some principles of the Tremor-Tremor Fruit into his attacks?)

"Uh……"